Spitsbergen Explorer: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic Cruise

Cruise through the amazing islands of Spitsbergen experiencing wonderful and remarkable Arctic scenery and wildlife while aboard a ship complete with local naturalist experts. This is an exploration of wonders that you will not find anywhere else.

See the sidebar on the left, for full ship information.

Start your Arctic exploration flying to Spitsbergen to join your ship for a fascinating cruise journey through the Arctic region with its wild breathtaking beauty like no other place on earth. Moor at Longyearbyen, the island’s largest settlement. From here, you will have great views of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop to this seaside settlement.

You will sail around this magical island in a quest to view local wildlife and to take in the austere beauty of the region. Your expedition will include Western Spitsbergen as well as some stunning fjords and outlying islands to the north. The scenery is as varied as the wildlife with polar deserts and huge glaciers.

On this 11-day cruise, there is no fixed itinerary. However, you will see glacier fronts, steep walled fjords as well as walrus, polar bears, Spitsbergen reindeer and much birdlife. Some of the highlights you will experience will be the 14th July Glacier, home to purple sandpipers, common eiders, barnacle geese and Arctic terns. You will visit Smeerenburg and learn about the history of the whaling industry. This is also a great place for an optional snowshoeing excursion (on selected voyages). Phippsoya is where Polar bear viewing is almost guaranteed, it being one of their preferred hunting areas. Here you will also come across a walrus haul-out, a moment you won’t forget. These lumbering giants of the Arctic create quite a noisy scene as each walrus vies for a choice spot of the coastline. Also call in at Alkhornet, where you will see reindeer and the Hinlopen Straight.

Each day you will see something new, whether it is a rare bird species or an abandoned hut from centuries ago. During the cruise, you will have an experienced Expedition Leader and daily lecture programmes given by noted naturalists.

After an enthralling in-depth cruise, you will return to Longyearbyen for your departure flight.

Embarkation Day in Longyearbyen

Your Spitsbergen adventure begins when you board your ship in Longyearbyen, the island’s largest settlement. As you embark, you’ll get great views of the mountainous landscape that serves as a backdrop to this seaside settlement.

Meal Plan

Dinner

Day2

Exploring Spitsbergen

We sail around this magical island, on a constant search for wildlife. Your expedition will cover western Spitsbergen as well as some stunning fjords and outlying islands to the north. From polar deserts to immense glaciers, the natural landscape here is just as varied as the wildlife.

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day3

Exploring Spitsbergen

Each expedition presents new opportunities, so we have no fixed itinerary, however we do have some favorite destinations, including 14th of July Glacier, Smeerenburg, Phippsoya, Alkhornet and the Hinlopen Straight.

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day4

Exploring Spitsbergen

The destinations visited on your voyage will be selected for optimum wildlife viewing and appreciation of the history and geology of Spitsbergen. Polar bear viewing is almost guaranteed, with Phippsoya being one of their preferred hunting areas and the towering cliffs of Alkefjellet providing many free bird egg meals for both them and the Arctic fox.

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day5

Exploring Spitsbergen

Torellneset and Phippsoya are great places for walrus photography. Coming across a walrus haul-out is a moment you won’t forget either. These lumbering giants of the Arctic create quite a noisy scene, as each walrus vies for a choice spot of coastline.

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day6

Exploring Spitsbergen

If you’re itching to get a little closer to the action, then taking a sea-kayaking excursion to some of the more isolated pockets of Spitsbergen is highly recommended.

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day7

Exploring Spitsbergen

Smeerenburg is a great place for an optional snowshoeing excursion (on selected voyages), as you can visit a memorial erected in 1906. This historical site remembers the whalers who lost their lives in the 17th and 18th centuries while working in extreme Arctic conditions.

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day8

Exploring Spitsbergen

There is no shortage of natural beauty in Spitsbergen.

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day9

Exploring Spitsbergen

The tundra can be surprisingly colorful in summer, with wildflowers bursting for a taste of sunshine.

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day10

Exploring Spitsbergen

Each day you’ll see something new, whether it is a rare bird species or an abandoned hut from centuries ago.

Meal Plan

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day11

Disembarkation Day in Longyearbyen

The time to say goodbye has come. Your adventure ends as it began, in the frontier-style settlement of Longyearbyen. From here we’ll transfer you to the airport for your flight home.

Other Information

DEPARTURES:

PRICE INCLUDES:

All breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks on board throughout your voyage

All shore landings per the daily program

Leadership throughout the voyage by our experienced Expedition Leader

A daily program of lectures by noted naturalists

All Zodiac transfers and cruising per the daily program

Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and Special Guests as scheduled

Photographic Journal on DVD, documenting the voyage

A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for shore landings

An official Quark Expeditions parka to keep

Coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock

A selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

Hair dryer and bathrobe in every cabin

Comprehensive pre-departure materials, including a map and an informative Arctic Reader

All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program

All luggage handling aboard ship

Arrival transfer from Longyearbyen airport to your hotel if you arrive one day prior to embarkation

On embarkation day transfer from your hotel or Longyearbyen airport to the ship

On disembarkation day group transfer from the ship to airport or local designated drop-off location

Emergency Evacuation Insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of US$100,000 per person

PRICE EXLUDES:

Travel insurance

International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes

Visa fees if applicable

Meals and beverages not mentioned

Gratuities

Items of a personal nature

OTHER INFORMATION:

Click here for a list of which vessel runs on the many Arctic and Antarctica expedition cruises. Please note that vessel scheduling can change and this list is presented as a guide only. Please contact your nearest travel agent for the most update schedule.

Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.